The 2-5-5-2 Custody Schedule

Each parent keeps a fixed 2-day block every week, and the remaining 5 days alternate. A 50/50 variant with stable weekdays.

Fixed Mon-Tue / Wed-Thu + alternating 5-day block

Two-Week Pattern

M
T
W
T
F
S
S
A
A
B
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
B
B
Parent A Parent B

How It Works

Parent A always has Monday-Tuesday (2 days). Parent B always has Wednesday-Thursday (2 days). Friday-Tuesday (5 days) rotates: odd weeks Parent A, even weeks Parent B. Each parent sees the children every week.

Best For

Elementary-age and older children where both parents can handle weekday routines.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Stable weekday routine in each home
  • Each parent sees the children every week
  • Five-day blocks allow for full weekend activities

Cons

  • Five-day stretches can feel long to younger children
  • Requires both parents to live in the same school district